Two species, clinically defined grades.
We supply Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo verbana — fasted, medical-grade, sized and graded for the procedure, and documented to the lot.
Hirudo medicinalis
The reference European medicinal leech.
Hirudo medicinalis is the species most cited in reconstructive and microsurgical literature, valued for reliable attachment and consistent draw. Supplied fasted and medical-grade.
Hirudo verbana
A clinically established hirudotherapy species.
Hirudo verbana is widely used across hirudotherapy practice and is available in consistent graded sizes for general and musculoskeletal indications.
Sized for the indication.
Each lot is graded by length so you can match the animal to the procedure.
| Grade | Body length | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | 20–30 mm | Fine microsurgical work, digits and small flaps |
| Standard | 30–45 mm | General hirudotherapy and reconstructive use |
| Large | 45–60 mm | Larger draw volume, established congestion |
Engineered to arrive alive and active.
Live animals demand more than a box. Our packaging is built for survival across long-haul export.
- Insulated, breathable transport units with retained moisture media
- Temperature-managed cold-chain with documented handling
- Conditioned, fasted stock for high post-transit viability
Frequently asked questions
Which leech species does NaturalLeech supply?
Two clinical species: Hirudo medicinalis, the reference European medicinal leech used in reconstructive and microsurgery, and Hirudo verbana, widely used in general clinical hirudotherapy. Both are supplied fasted and medical-grade.
What does "medical-grade" mean for a leech?
Medical-grade leeches are bred under controlled conditions rather than wild-harvested, conditioned by fasting for reliable attachment and draw, graded by body length, and traceable by lot from breeding line to dispatch.
How are medicinal leeches graded by size?
Leeches are graded by body length into Fine (20–30 mm), Standard (30–45 mm) and Large (45–60 mm), so clinicians can match the animal to the procedure — from fine microsurgical work to established venous congestion.
CITES Appendix II — handled for you.
Hirudo medicinalis is listed under CITES Appendix II, so cross-border movement requires export permits. We manage permits and veterinary health certificates per shipment, with documentation verified on request.